Former Branford High School softball star Cloey Criggall, 19, died Sunday when her car left the Interstate 10 roadway in Gadsden County and collided with a tree.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Criggall was driving west on I-10 around 4 p.m. when her car veered off the road and collided with a tree, adding that there was heavy rain at the time of the crash.
Criggall, who graduated in the spring from Brandford High School, was a standout athlete for the Buccaneers, where she played shortstop and was named to the Mainstreet Daily News All Area first team in 2024 and 2025. She was an All Area honorable mention selection in 2022 and 2023.
“Cloey wasn’t just a great player, she was the heartbeat of the team,” said Branford softball coach Oscar Saavedra in his 2025 All Area comment on Criggall. “Her talent turned heads, but her leadership and dedication made the real difference. She is the type of player every coach dreams of—reliable, hardworking and completely committed. She brings skill, leadership and a positive attitude to every practice and every game.”
Criggall also played basketball for the Bucs and was named to the Mainstreet All Area second team her senior season in 2024-25 and was an honorable mention selection in 2022-23.
Criggall had signed with the University of West Florida in Pensacola to play softball for the Argonauts.
Branford Babe Ruth League posted the following on its Facebook page:
“Our hearts are broken in hearing about the passing of Cloey Criggall. We extend our deepest condolences to Cloey’s family and all who had to honor to have known her.
“So many of the girls in our softball program, both past and present, looked up to her. She always took the time to acknowledge the young players, whether it was to take a picture, give a high five, or say words of encouragement. Her passion for the game of softball was infectious, and she was a joy to watch play. She was a leader both on and off the field.
“We ask that you join us in praying for her family, friends, and the softball community, as they navigate through this incredibly difficult time.”
A GoFundMe account to assist the family is available by clicking here and a Meal Train account to assist the family can be found by clicking here.